Question

_______ is the starting material for the synthesis of diazepam.

• A. \( \text{2 - methyl amino 5 - nitro benzophenone} \)
• B. \( \text{2 - methyl amino 5 - chloro benzophenone} \)
• C. \( \text{2 - amino 5 - nitro benzophenone} \)
• D. \( \text{2 - amino 5 - nitro butyrophenone} \)

Hint:

While recalling specific starting materials for drug synthesis can be challenging, recognizing key structural features of the final drug (a benzodiazepine in this case) might help narrow down the possibilities if you were familiar with common synthetic routes for this class of compounds.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The synthesis of diazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative, typically starts with 2-methylamino-5-chlorobenzophenone. This benzophenone derivative undergoes a series of reactions, including cyclization and further modifications, to yield the final diazepam structure. The specific substituents (methylamino at the 2-position and chlorine at the 5-position) on the benzophenone ring are crucial for the subsequent steps in the synthesis.